Heir

SYNOPSIS: After connecting with a stranger of similar interests online, Gordon and his young son Paul, embark on an ill-fated road trip in which Gordon aims to indulge a secret passion. Before the day ends a horrible truth will be uncovered and a harsh lesson will be learned.

Some tell themselves that monsters aren’t real. Others accept that they are but write them off as lurking in the darkness, living underground, off somewhere in a secluded place that they’ll never go. But what’s the real truth?

MONSTERS HAVE TO FEED. TO FEED, THEY HAVE TO HUNT. TO HUNT, THEY HAVE TO GO TO WHERE THEIR PREY IS. THIS IS THE TRUTH; MONSTERS ARE AMONG US.

Heir takes this premise and twists it together with a very unnerving subject to make even the most avid horror fan cringe, feel dirty and quite possibly even feel guilty for what they’ve seen. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? … I suppose it depends on what shocks you or crosses your moral lines. I will say, though, that this film is thought-provoking while never outwardly giving you more than you can visually handle, my warning is mostly based on the fact that the subject matter is heavy.

With that in mind, I say that it’s one the best parts of the film; it’s short yet stirs up so much more than many of the 90-120 minute films I’ve ever seen. If you don’t feel dirty, aren’t thinking about the people around you that you don’t know very well or aren’t starting to check palms… you need to watch it again, you missed something big. I do suggest that if you can handle the subject matter of what abuse does to children and how adults deal with their darkness, that you give it a watch.

The story forces you to question how people can do these things. How can a person go so far as to actually set something like this up? How can something so grotesque, so perverted and wrong bring someone pleasure? That’s essentially the point, though, what’s Gordon’s motivation?

It’s incredibly well-shot, it’s gorgeous to look at. I’m usually sure that’s a good thing but I feel sort of bad about saying it. The acting is spot on, the setting is way too familiar (home) and the soundtrack doesn’t waste time trying to guide you through every scene, you already know when to be horrified. It’s exactly as it should be.

It’s very creative; what if these people really WERE monsters? Yes, it is disturbing but it in no way condones it. It actually goes the other direction so don’t be scared off, it’s worth your consideration.

REVIEW OVERVIEW

Audio/Video Quality

10

Acting

10

Story

8

SUMMARY

Original, wonderfully acted, beautifully shot and well written. There's no doubt that you will remember Heir long after seeing it. Had to drop the points a bit due to subject matter not being for everyone. For the rest of you... see it!